Richard Hammond says he was mistaken for famous Hollywood actor in airport

Richard Hammond revealed that he was once mistaken for Marvel star Robert Downey Jr. whilst he was in an airport with his family. The former Top Gear host spoke to Mike Brewer on his podcast, The Wheeler Dealer, about the identity mix-up.

Richard, 53, got his big break in Top Gear in 2002 and hosted the car show alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May until 2015. He then started the highly acclaimed show, The Grand Tour, on Amazon Prime later that year with his two co-stars.

Speaking about his TV career with Mike Brewer, Richard opened up about how he was once mistaken for Hollywood legend Robert when he went away on holiday.

“I had a good one in an airport with family, so me, Mindy, Izzy and Willow, waiting to fly on holiday. I’m sitting – I managed to get us business class tickets – I paid for them. We’re in the lounge and having a cup of tea, whatever.

“We’re in there for quite a long wait and this little kid, 6-years old, comes up and stands in the table in front looking at me. I thought, ‘Oh I’ll be nice’ and he says ‘Excuse me…are you Iron Man?’”

Richard added: “I don’t know what to say now. He didn’t know who I was and I can’t offer myself as a second prize. ‘No, I’m not Iron Man, but I’m a little Brummie bloke off a car show you’ve never seen!’

“So I just said, ‘Oh I’m really sorry mate, I’m not.’ And he went back to his table and Izzy, my eldest daughter, was walking to the lavatory or to get a coffee. And as she passed them, the mum of the family said: ‘Excuse me? Are you sure he’s not…?’”

Iron Man is a fictional superhero character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, played by American star Robert Downey Jr. Both Richard and Robert share similar facial features such as dark hair and a beard.

Wheeler Dealer’s host Mike Brewer recently opened up about on how much of an impact the show has had on his marriage to his wife, Michelle. “I’ve literally dedicated my life – 26 years actually – dedicated to this craft,” he admitted.

“To saving cars and restoring cars. And I feel like it’s given me an amazing life but it’s also come at the cost of my marriage. […] Still together. Never held me back once. But there comes a time when I look and I think, maybe I should spend more time with my wife? She drives me mad but I love being with her.” [sic]